I felt it was time to blog another great bottle from my very favorite appellation, “Rockpile.” About a month ago I stumbled upon Down Town Wines tasting room in Healdsburg, California right off the Healdsburg Plaza. Down Town Wines is home to two wine makers, Branham Estate Wines and Hobo Wine Company. To my surprise that day this tasting room houses some incredible Rockpile reds. Rockpile being one of the newest and smallest AVA’s in Sonoma County. This AVA is 15,000 acres but only 160 are planted vineyards. Elevations that range from 800 to 2100 feet above sea level. The poor soils, steep slopes, rugged terrain, lack of fog, high sun exposures, and very little water retention produces smaller stressed grape’s. In turn making a higher quality of fruit with much richer complex flavors. Rockpile for me is the King of all reds! There are currently only 10 Rockpile vineyard owners, one being Gary Branham owner of Branham Estate Wines. Gary’s Rockpile red bled “Senal” is incredibly good. Senal meaning the good “omen” and protector of the vines. This bottle is a 100% Rockpile vineyard blend. Senal is a blend of 40% Zinfandel, 20% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Petite Sirah. Aged in French Oak and 10% New for 16 months. This blend has aromas of blackberries, raspberry, blueberries, and leather. Tasting first of dark berries, black current, and all spice. Finishing very earthy, tobacco, and slight leather. This blend has one of the softest finishes of any Rockpile wine I have had. Senal is truly an outstanding bottle of wine again proving how incredible Rockpile wines are.